Average Security Guards Salary in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Security Guards in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $35,390. This figure is notably below the national average of $42,450. The lower compensation in this region is often influenced by a combination of factors including local economic conditions, demand for specialized security services, and the overall cost of doing business in nonmetropolitan settings.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $35,390 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,390.
- Outlook: The job market for Security Guards in West Kentucky appears stable, with a local workforce of 300 individuals. The Location Quotient of 0.28 suggests a lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated but also less specialized market. With 2.29 jobs per 1,000 workers, the demand is present, though not exceptionally high, suggesting steady but not rapid growth opportunities.
Salary Overview
The average Security Guards in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area earns-16.6%below the national average.
$17
$681
$2,949
Security Guards Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for West Kentucky's Security Guard salaries over the past four years is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of modest salary growth, mirroring national patterns. Economic shifts, inflation, and evolving security needs likely contribute to incremental increases in compensation, aiming to keep pace with the cost of living and attract qualified personnel.
Security Guards Salary Distribution in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Security Guards typically involves gaining experience and specialized certifications. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior guards with extensive experience, supervisory responsibilities, or expertise in areas like surveillance technology or executive protection can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching into the upper percentiles of the pay range.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cadet / RecruitAcademy training and probationary period. | 10% (Entry) | $27,420 | $13.2 |
| OfficerPatrol duties, handling standard calls. | 25% (Junior) | $26,543 | $12.8 |
| Senior OfficerField training officer, specialized unit. | 50% (Median) | $34,330 | $16.5 |
| Sergeant / Lt.Shift supervisor, squad leader. | 75% (Senior) | $44,238 | $21.3 |
| Captain / ChiefDepartment command and administration. | 90% (Expert) | $46,390 | $22.3 |
Detailed Security Guards Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$35,390
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$35,390
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $35,390 in West Kentucky aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the region's affordability a key factor in the overall financial picture for Security Guards.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
2.29
Per 1K Jobs
0.28
Location Quotient
At 0.28x, West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area has a notably lower concentration of Security Guards jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A Location Quotient of 0.28 indicates that Security Guard roles are significantly less concentrated in West Kentucky compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market is not saturated, and while there may be fewer overall positions, the competition for available roles might be less intense than in more densely populated or industrially focused areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Security Guards
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Lexington-Fayette, KY Security Guards Salary | $36,130↑ 2% | 28 mi |
| Elizabethtown, KY Security Guards Salary | $39,480↑ 12% | 66 mi |
| Louisville/Jefferson County, KY-IN Security Guards Salary | $39,060↑ 10% | 72 mi |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN Security Guards Salary | $39,810↑ 12% | 100 mi |
Comparing salaries near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Security Guardss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Security Guards make in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Security Guards in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is $35,390. This typically ranges from $27,420 for entry-level positions to $46,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 16.6% lower than the national median of $42,450.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Security Guards?
No, it is not a particularly lucrative place for Security Guards.The average salary of $35,390 is substantially lower than the national average, despite a cost of living that matches the national benchmark.
Is West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Security Guards?
The Cost of Living Index in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Lexington-Fayette, KY ($36,130) and Elizabethtown, KY.
How does the West Kentucky Security Guard salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Security Guards in West Kentucky is $35,390, which is considerably lower than the national average of $42,450.
What is the concentration of Security Guards in West Kentucky compared to the rest of the country?
West Kentucky has a lower concentration of Security Guards, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.28, meaning there are fewer such jobs relative to the workforce size compared to the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of a Security Guard's salary in West Kentucky?
No, the cost of living in West Kentucky is at the national average (100), meaning the lower nominal salary of $35,390 has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggest about the Security Guard market in West Kentucky?
With 2.29 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market indicates a steady, albeit not overwhelming, demand for Security Guards in the region.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.29 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Security Guards • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in West Kentucky nonmetropolitan area